Li tries to mollify fears over Chinese economic growth, saying it is in 'proper range'

In this Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015 photo, workers assemble lithium batteries at a factory of Chilwee Group, China's leading battery maker, in Changxing county in east China's Zhejiang province. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang tried Wednesday, Sept. 9 to mollify foreign concerns about its economic slowdown, saying growth is in the "proper range" and Beijing has no plans to allow its currency to decline further. (Chinatopix via AP) CHINA OUT
(The Associated Press)

In this Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015 photo, a worker assembling lithium batteries at a factory of Chilwee Group, China's leading battery maker, in Changxing county in east China's Zhejiang province. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang tried Wednesday, Sept. 9 to mollify foreign concerns about its economic slowdown, saying growth is in the "proper range" and Beijing has no plans to allow its currency to decline further. (Chinatopix via AP) CHINA OUT
(The Associated Press)

BEIJING – China's premier is trying to ease concerns about the country's economic slowdown, saying growth is in the "proper range" despite recent weakness and Beijing has no plans to allow its currency to decline further.

Li Keqiang, the country's top economic official, said Wednesday at a business forum that Beijing would press ahead with market-opening reforms despite recent "fluctuations" in economic growth.

Speaking at a meeting of the World Economic Forum in the eastern city of Dalian, Li said, "The Chinese economy has been running within the proper range."

Concern that Chinese economic growth is decelerating too abruptly has mounted after trade and factory activity fell by unexpectedly wide margins in July and August.

Li said the current level of growth is acceptable so long as it generates enough jobs.